Viking for a Day: Researchers Recreate Viking Voyages!
Researcher Greer Jarrett Rows a Clinker Boat!
Post Author- Ellis Nolan
For one student at Lund University in Sweden, reading studies and collecting archaeological evidence wasn’t enough to grasp the full picture of an awe-inspiring people of the Nordic region: the Vikings. In a new study, a team of researchers set out to learn more about these nomads of legend by setting off on their own voyage of the seas, complete with historically accurate ships!
According to the authors, contemporary archaeological research on the Vikings has mostly been limited to examination of artifacts and landmarks on, well, land. This is despite the fact that sea travel was an important aspect of old Nordic society, particularly in terms of trade. By retracing the wakes of Viking ships of old, the authors argued they could make more accurate judgements about Viking seafaring habits, such as the lengths of their journeys and outposts they used for shelter along the way.
First, the authors acquired 7 different vessels, known as “clinkers” for their shingle-like hull construction. These boats are built in a historical tradition called Åfjordsbåt, which dates back to the Viking ages. Lighter weight than modern vessels and with smaller masts, these ships could be hauled onshore and stowed behind lower shelters. These characteristics on sea and land gave the researchers insights into the types of places Vikings could have travelled. These voyages were at times quite difficult, the limited efficacy of rowing these craft set them mostly at the mercy of the wind.
A “Clinker” Boat
Upon completing their journeys, the researchers concluded that many of the outposts (known as “havens” in the study) were frequented by Viking sailors and formed an important part of Viking sea travel. This conclusion was supported further by the researchers’ reconstruction of historical sea levels, which would have slightly changed the geography of the area.
This type of study, known as “experimental archaeology” is an emerging technique that researchers hope will lend insight into subjects where little material evidence is available. These experiments run the gamut of forging medieval weaponry, knapping neolithic stone tools, as well as Galileo’s inclined plane experiment. That being said, the authors stress that experiments such as these can only offer suggestions as opposed to concrete conclusions, although they are hopeful the future will see more journeys such as theirs. Perhaps the best question for researchers to ask is this: “What would a Viking do?”
Interested in Vikings? Check out our Viking Age Collection here!
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